Nowadays running the business without technology is almost impossible. All the data including accounting, customer information, marketing strategies, etc. is within your computer. Technology is a driven force that saves time and makes employees more efficient. It is also something that can be easily hacked.
It was just an ordinary day when the employee of small British company MNH Platinum received an email from the customer. Once the manager clicked on the link in the email, the whole company’s data was stolen. The lack of a simple precautionary measure has put in jeopardy the entire business.
The hackers decrypted the company’s files and extorted £3,000. Managing director Mark Hindle admitted that they were completely unprepared for this kind of situation. Since it was impossible to remove the virus without the loss of core company data, MNH Platinum had no choice but to pay up to cybercriminals.
It is not a single case. At this point, all small businesses are put at risk of cyber attack. The business leaders mistakenly think that ‘it will never happen to them.’ Who needs the company with only £5.000 profit a month, right? The truth is that small business has always been the number one target for hackers. Companies with little human and financial resources usually don’t invest in cybersecurity. Needless to say, it makes them ‘the weak targets.’
What does cyber attack mean?
It is the deliberate exploitation of technology-dependent enterprises, computer systems, and networks. The cost of hacking can be pretty high – loss of customer data, theft of money and reputation damage. More than that, it can lead to ultimately company closure.
How to protect your small business from cybercrime?
Nowadays every second small business experience a cyber attack. That’s why it is so important to improve your business cybersecurity. To do so, you need to train your employees in the first place. So, no one will blackmail your company in the future.
Every employee in your company should follow protocols and have unique, strong passwords. Also, setting up the two-factor authentication is also a must. Basically, it means that every employee will be required to go through the two-step sign-in process. In the world of cybersecurity, this kind of practice is called ‘the second layer of account security.’
Additionally, all employees will have to update their laptops, desktops and mobile devices (if they use phones for work purposes) on a regular basis. Your web browsers and operating systems should be up to date in order to protect your company’s data.
Regular information backup is also very important in terms of cybersecurity. Copy the core information and save it in the cloud. Remember, all your copies should be secured.
The last steps would be limiting access to company computers and securing your WiFi. All the employees should sign the non-disclosure agreement and keep their passwords safe. They can’t exchange their passwords with each other and give the company’s laptop to unauthorized people such as clients, family members, etc.
When it comes to securing WiFi, one thing you should understand is that it is a simple channel to access your data. Only employees should be able to use the company’s WiFi from their laptops. However, try to set up the password in a way that your employees will not know it. It can prevent hackers from accessing your files.
Cybercriminals target everyone. Don’t be the next victim- improve your cybersecurity today.
Check out this infographic to learn even more about cybersecurity, according to ServerMania:
